In December 1996, the United Nations declared 21 November as World Television Day, marking the anniversary of the first World Television Forum held that same year. The day is observed annually to acknowledge television’s growing influence, and its ability to shape public opinion, highlight global conflicts, draw attention to threats to peace and security, and spotlight important economic and social issues.Back home also, television has always been more than entertainment. For millions of viewers across India, it became a window to the world, a gateway to faraway mountains, pristine lakes, colourful bazaars, and scenic landscapes that existed only in imagination until the camera brought them home. On World Television Day, it’s worth remembering how TV reshaped not just our evenings, but also our travel dreams.Read more: Travel inspiration of the day: 5 green getaways in India for a breath of fresh airLong before social media reels and online vlogs existed, it was daily soaps, travel shows, music channels, and especially Bollywood films that stirred the desire to explore. Whether it was a Sunday blockbuster or a rerun of a classic romance on cable, people found themselves enchanted by locations that appeared larger than life. TV didn’t simply show destinations, it gave birth to the very essence of travel. The medium managed to pass on the emotions tied to those places, and as viewers, most of us wanted to feel them in real life.
Over the decades, certain locations became tourism powerhouses entirely because television amplified them. A handful of places saw massive visitor growth after their landscapes were etched into public memory through iconic scenes. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’s mustard-field romance, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s trek scenes, and lifestyle shows highlighting cultural carnivals all turned regular viewers into passionate travellers. Television turned destinations into dreams, and dreams into travel plans.Here are five places in India and abroad where TV and cinema didn’t just showcase beauty, but shaped travel trends for an entire generation.
Switzerland — Made iconic by DDLJ’s Timeless Romance
When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge began airing on TV, it practically rewrote India’s idea of romance. The snow-covered Alps, green meadows, wooden cottages, and shimmering lakes became the stuff of fantasy vacations. Television transformed Switzerland into a pilgrimage for Bollywood fans, especially around Saanen, Gstaad, Jungfrau, and the famous DDLJ bridge at Sigriswil.Travel agencies even created DDLJ-themed tours, and generations of honeymooners credit the film’s TV broadcasts for inspiring their first international trip. Switzerland’s tourism board acknowledged the Bollywood wave, cementing the country as one of the most aspirational destinations for Indian travellers.
Udaipur — Boosted by Bollywood Weddings in Films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Udaipur’s royal palaces and serene lakes were always beautiful, but television also had a role in boosting tourism by bringing those visuals into living rooms across India. When Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani when aired on TV, took us to the grand wedding sequences shot in Udaipur, which somehow created a nationwide fascination for palace weddings.Soon, reality wedding shows, lifestyle programs, and celebrity interviews filmed in the city turned Udaipur into the ultimate dream destination for anyone wanting a royal celebration. Places like the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and the luxurious hotel-palaces became must-visit spots for viewers who fell in love with the city’s regal charm through TV screens.
Rann of Kutch — Spotlighted by Rann Utsav TV Coverage and Gujarat Tourism Ads with Amitabh Bachchan
The Rann of Kutch was once considered remote, but television transformed it into a cultural icon. The Gujarat Tourism campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan — made the white desert instantly recognisable. Travel and cultural shows further amplified the charm of the Rann Utsav, showcasing pristine night skies, moonlit salt plains, and vibrantly dressed local communities.Today, thousands visit Kutch, and is now one of the most prominent places that many plan to visit for a refreshing getaway.
Manali — Popularised by movies like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Jab We Met
Manali became the face of the Indian Himalayas, thanks to daily soaps, travel shows, and countless Bollywood films. Whether it was the emotionally charged scenes of Jab We Met or the youthful trekking sequences of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Manali’s lush valleys and high snowlines became symbolic of both adventure and romance.Television made Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Old Manali familiar even to those who had never travelled before. As these shows and films played on loop during weekends and holidays, they encouraged millions to take their first hill-station trip — a phenomenon still strong today.Read more: Which city is called the Manchester of India?
Pushkar — brought home through TV serials set in Rajasthan like Diya Aur Baati Hum
Pushkar’s colourful ghats, desert dunes, and spiritual ambience became household visuals because of Rajasthan-based TV dramas. Shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, often filmed in or inspired by towns around Ajmer and Pushkar, showcased the vibrant markets, folk culture, and desert life of the region. Combined with news coverage of the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, TV created immense curiosity around this desert town.Television didn’t just entertain India, it inspired travel and shaped its travel map. Share in the comments if a TV moment ever guided your footsteps.